AlphaKoncepts aka CGS Posted February 28, 2013 at 04:42 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 04:42 PM This is my first Igold and I am bringing my brother and perhaps a few friends (trying to rally more support). Do I need to bring any cash except for tshirts, sweaters, hats etc? What about signs, do I buy signs, are they passed out freely? Is there an admission? I'll be driving down there so will park in the parking garage, not looking forward to the 4 hour ride . So basically I show up, park, walk into the convention center to get my gear, and someone who knows what they are doing will tell me what to do next? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xwing Posted February 28, 2013 at 05:11 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 05:11 PM This is my first Igold and I am bringing my brother and perhaps a few friends (trying to rally more support). Do I need to bring any cash except for tshirts, sweaters, hats etc? What about signs, do I buy signs, are they passed out freely? Is there an admission? I'll be driving down there so will park in the parking garage, not looking forward to the 4 hour ride . So basically I show up, park, walk into the convention center to get my gear, and someone who knows what they are doing will tell me what to do next? Bring money if you want a tshirt or hat, if you want to grab a bite to eat, of if you want to donate a couple of bucks. All are optional. Only required expense is parking $7 (if you drive). All else is completely free. There will be plenty of signs (free thanks to Mark) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadWaterBill Posted February 28, 2013 at 05:53 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 05:53 PM If you do get a sign from Mark please give it back at the end of the parade. Folks will be at the base of the capitol steps so we can RE CYCLE them for next year if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyGuy Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:02 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:02 PM Can we bring our own signs or do we have to use IGOLD approved signs? I was given the green light to use this company's logo:http://jerkingthetrigger.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Modern-Musket-Logo.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphaKoncepts aka CGS Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:10 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:10 PM How long should I plan for it all to last assuming I am there from start to finish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:12 PM Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:12 PM How long should I plan for it all to last assuming I am there from start to finish? This should give you some idea:Begins Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 11:30amStarting Location:10:45:00 am - Prairie Capital Convention Center - Doors open - View Map Located at the corner of 8th St & Adams.12:00 pm - Prairie Capital Convention Center - Legislative Briefing 1:00 pm - Head out to lobby Senators and Representatives at the State Capitol. respectfully make our presence known in committee hearings that are in session4:00 pm - Head to reception at Vinegar Hill Mall 107 W. Cook St. (2 blocks south of Capitol Bldg.) - NEW!!5:00 pm - Buses depart for home (boarding at Vinegar Hill Mal) - NEW!! The important parts are the briefing, the march to the Capitol and dropping off the provided cards at your legislator's offices. The reception is a good chance to mingle and get to know folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWBH Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:27 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:27 PM ...and bring an ink pen (maybe an extra for someone who might forget)Please - no 007 pens that shoot a projectile... you'll be sorry if you do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:34 PM Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:34 PM ...and bring an ink pen (maybe an extra for someone who might forget)Please - no 007 pens that shoot a projectile... you'll be sorry if you do. OR.. bring 4 of those return address labels that you get in the mail. It saves a lot of writing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadWaterBill Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:37 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:37 PM Thanks for the reminder LOU. Adding them to my gear right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:42 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 06:42 PM I didn't see it mentioned in the thread to bring friends, brothers, sisters, grandparents... Definitely bring kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphaKoncepts aka CGS Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:19 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:19 PM I just realized I have to drop off my daughter at school at 8:30 AM. The drive according to Mapquest is 3 hours 45 minutes. Assuming that's accurate, I won't be to the convention center until about 12-12:30. Does it make sense to show up an hour late? Will that be much of an issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:22 PM Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:22 PM I just realized I have to drop off my daughter at school at 8:30 AM. The drive according to Mapquest is 3 hours 45 minutes. Assuming that's accurate, I won't be to the convention center until about 12-12:30. Does it make sense to show up an hour late? Will that be much of an issue? The march usually doesn't start until 1PM or so. Where you might have a problem is the lot next to the PCCC being full. It hasn't been a problem in the past but I have a feeling we're gonna have a record crowd. There are other lots around though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphaKoncepts aka CGS Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:24 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:24 PM Phew, OK! If I miss a few minutes of the briefing, so be it. I'll find parking somewhere, remember I'm from Chicago, near-by parking is often a luxury Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flw Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:29 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 07:29 PM I'm taking the bus down to IGOLD. Do I need to bring cash for something to eat or can I just use my debit card? If cash, how much may be needed for lunch and a snack w/soda? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 28, 2013 at 09:07 PM Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 09:07 PM I'm taking the bus down to IGOLD. Do I need to bring cash for something to eat or can I just use my debit card? If cash, how much may be needed for lunch and a snack w/soda? If you go to the IGOLD ISRA website there is a link for the bus info. Many if the buses stop for lunch and the bus flier usually tells you how much. I'm not sure about cash/ debit. It all depends on which bus and where it stops. If there is a bus captain listed on the flier they would have a better answer. Hope that helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RacerDave6 Posted February 28, 2013 at 10:22 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 10:22 PM This former railroad person also recommends Amtrak. From Chicagoland it's a cinch. I'm on at Joliet Union (parking two blocks north is often free) and the Springpatch station is about a half-dozen blocks away from the Convention Center. It's even closer to the Capitol. In fact, some years there are legislators on board the train, too.The morning southbound leaves Chicago Union at 7am and Joliet at 8. It gets to SPI at 10:45 or so. There's a couple of choices on the way back. I use the 5pm one, and there's one later as well.The ticket prices vary by lead time (how early you book) and load factor. I paid $33 round-trip.Lounging the miles away at 80-110mph is the easy way to go and the coffee in the club car is completely potable.On Bill's recommendation I am also taking the train. Cost me $32 round trip from J-town. Let's fill the train with GOLD! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flw Posted February 28, 2013 at 11:52 PM Share Posted February 28, 2013 at 11:52 PM I'm taking the bus down to IGOLD. Do I need to bring cash for something to eat or can I just use my debit card? If cash, how much may be needed for lunch and a snack w/soda? If you go to the IGOLD ISRA website there is a link for the bus info. Many if the buses stop for lunch and the bus flier usually tells you how much. I'm not sure about cash/ debit. It all depends on which bus and where it stops. If there is a bus captain listed on the flier they would have a better answer. Hope that helps!I did read the IGOLD bus info. I wanted to know if things like food and IGOLD caps were cash only or do they take cards? I'll bring some cash for any stops the bus may take. I'd just like to get a IGOLD cap when I'm down there. Also is it correct that we can take a sack lunch on the bus with us? i.e. in case the bus does not stop near anywhere to eat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee n. field Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:21 AM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:21 AM This is my first Igold and I am bringing my brother and perhaps a few friends (trying to rally more support). Do I need to bring any cash except for tshirts, sweaters, hats etc? What about signs, do I buy signs, are they passed out freely? Bring extra cash ifyou want t-shirts, hats, etc. Signs are free (and reused). There will be opportunity to join or renew NRA and ISRA there, so that's another possible cash sink. And, don't forget the gun raffle! So basically I show up, park, walk into the convention center to get my gear, and someone who knows what they are doing will tell me what to do next? Exactly that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee n. field Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:24 AM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:24 AM I'm taking the bus down to IGOLD. Do I need to bring cash for something to eat or can I just use my debit card? If cash, how much may be needed for lunch and a snack w/soda? Some busses stop for lunch, some don't. Check your own bus schedule. $10 should be plenty for lunch. (You really don't want to eat at the PCCC. It's "utilitarian". Nacho chips and hot dog is about the extent of it. ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadWaterBill Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:43 AM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:43 AM Just remember it is a long ride back home. Can someone suggest somewhere you can get food at the mall where the buses will be waiting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:48 AM Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 12:48 AM Just remember it is a long ride back home. Can someone suggest somewhere you can get food at the mall where the buses will be waiting? There are multiple places in the mall to eat. You didn't mention what bus you're taking but the ISRA buss info link says some of the buses will have pizza on the bus?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cshipley92 Posted March 1, 2013 at 01:45 AM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 01:45 AM My wife and I will be attending for the first time this year. I'm even considering pulling my 16yo son from school for the day. We'll be driving in from Jacksonville and this won't be our first trip to the capital to lobby. She worked for years as an advocate for disability rights until her own disability forced her to quit working and go on..well, disability. Hope to meet some of you there. She'll be the good looking blonde in the wheelchair running over everyone's toes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlockShooter Posted March 1, 2013 at 02:02 AM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 02:02 AM For those asking about bringing cash (who are taking the buses), keep in mind that a hat is usually passed around on the return trip to tip the bus driver. They deserve it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sctman800 Posted March 1, 2013 at 02:48 PM Share Posted March 1, 2013 at 02:48 PM Cash will work best. As someone who has ridden the bus every year my experience has been cash. Most busses charge or ask for a donation and will be sponsored by someone, a check would usually work for that. A bus captain will usually take up the money for lunch if that is a scheduled stop and then the BC will pay the resturant so riders only have to get in line and eat. At least this has been the procedure on the bus I have taken every year. Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 2, 2013 at 12:41 AM Author Share Posted March 2, 2013 at 12:41 AM Looks like the weather will still be sunny but chilly. The thought for the day is layers. Dress in layers. The march might be a tinge chilly but it is usually warm in the Capitol Building {especially with 10,000 people in it} so dress accordingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 3, 2013 at 02:07 PM Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 at 02:07 PM It's getting closer! A note to anyone that volunteered as a marshal. If you have a FRS/GMRS radio bring it. The Marshals are usually on channel 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAXD9 Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:45 PM Share Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:45 PM It looks like I will be bringing my son with me for the day. We will be driving up from the St. Louis Metro East. Is it better to park at the convention center or the mall? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:49 PM Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:49 PM It looks like I will be bringing my son with me for the day. We will be driving up from the St. Louis Metro East. Is it better to park at the convention center or the mall? Either is fine but there is more parking at the PCCC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyGuy Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:57 PM Share Posted March 4, 2013 at 03:57 PM What time to doors open and what time does it kick off at the convention? The ISRA note said 10:45 and 11:30, but I saw something last night that said 10:00 and 11:45. Can anyone help me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 4, 2013 at 04:01 PM Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 at 04:01 PM Begins Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 11:30am Starting Location: 10:45:00 am - Prairie Capital Convention Center - Doors open - View Map Located at the corner of 8th St & Adams. 12:00 pm - Prairie Capital Convention Center - Legislative Briefing 1:00 pm - Head out to lobby Senators and Representatives at the State Capitol. respectfully make our presence known in committee hearings that are in session 4:00 pm - Head to reception at Vinegar Hill Mall 107 W. Cook St. (2 blocks south of Capitol Bldg.) - NEW!! 5:00 pm - Buses depart for home (boarding at Vinegar Hill Mal) - NEW!! Parking: Several parking garages are located near the Convention Center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.